1 year after septorhinoplasty - am I still experiencing swelling or could this be something else? (photo)

Question

I am 1 year post septorhinoplasty and as the swelling has gone down I am left with this bump on one side of my nasal bone and am wondering what could be going on here. My surgeon thinks it is still uneven swelling and wants to see me in a year. I have checked in with him at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months (12 months being the most recent). He is a double board certified (ENT and FACS) with over 35 years of experience. Should swelling on the bridge be gone by 1 year? What else could this be? Thanks!

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

At 1 year, what you are noticing is not going to be due to residual swelling. There certainly can be subtle swelling, particularly around the tip even at this point, but this is not that. Even in the best of hands, there can be some asymmetry (particularly if there was pre-existing asymmetry) after rhinoplasty. What you are noticing is highly likely from the nasal bones not being even. This is something that can likely be improved if not corrected, but would require surgery. It may be in your best interest to discuss this with him further or see someone else for a second opinion. Best of luck.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

You may indeed have some persistent nasal swelling 12 months after rhinoplasty surgery, however, there should not be a lot of swelling. In that regard, it is questionable as to whether or not you will achieve a straight nose appearance in another year. If you indeed undergo another procedure, you may have an indentation along your left nasal side wall that is contributing to the C-shaped appearance. I hope this is helpful, and I wish you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

There can be some very subtle changes that occur to the nose beyond one year after a rhinoplasty. However, when concerns are apparent to both the patient and surgeon at one year, it would not be unreasonable to consider a revision/touch-up, if desired.

You may have had some additional bone formation (callus) after osteotomies, although they generally resolve in months.  There could be some asymmetry in healing and bone placement after osteotomies as well.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Although most of surgeons doing lots of rhinoplasties says that one year after surgery result is stable and mature it does not apply for every patient nor every event. This  is in particular the case with the tip where discrete swelling may last for 1,5,-2 years after surgery as well as some other areas including the supratip and the dorsum. Only on the basis of direct, repeated observation,  an experienced surgeon can make decision when and how to intervene.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A full set of facial photographs from all angles are going to be required to make a determination about how best to proceed, since revision rhinoplasty is more difficult than a primary rhinoplasty, and this is the most difficult procedure to perform correctly in the entire field of cosmetic surgery.

1 year after septorhinoplasty - am I still experiencing swelling or could this be something else? (photo)

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1 year after septorhinoplasty - am I still experiencing swelling or could this be something else? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: When does rhinoplasty result matures?

Answer: When does rhinoplasty result matures?

Answer: One year after septo-rhinoplasty

Answer: One year after septo-rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.